HAVE YOU BEEN OUTSIDE TODAY?!?
It’s getting hot out there! And it is only May!!!! I keep thinking about how I really need to get out while it is all muggy and gross and run because that is the best way to condition myself for the summer. It is coming folks, there is no stopping it. And if you are like me and you enjoy outdoor running, the heat is something you have to get used to.
There are special considerations that you need to take when it is hot and muggy to prepare your body (for the pain! … j/k).
1. Drink water. Now drink more water.
2. Drink more water. Keep going.
3. Eat light! Salads, fresh veggies, etc. I like grilling meat, to keep the grease away but often I will throw some nuts and beans into my salad to help me get some of that protein in without eating a hunk of meat. And don’t forget fish! There are lots of ways to eat healthy and not feel sluggish from heavy eating.
4. While you are running, drink water! Any time you exercise for more than an hour (regardless of weather) you need to be refueling … with solids and liquids, but in the extreme heat and humidity you should be refueling with liquids after about 30 minutes. So either stash water bottles along your running route or wear a fuel belt, etc. There are lots of ways to handle this, you just have to think ahead.
5. If you are running for an hour or more, you might want to consider throwing an athletic drink (gatorade, powerade, whateverade you want) into the mix. Electrolytes get lost when you are sweating that hard. If you start cooling off some and you can feel salt on your skin, you definitely need to replenish with an electrolyte drink.
6. Run early morning or after the sun goes down to avoid the extreme heat.
Feel free to comment if I am forgetting anything. I am sure that I am. Bottom line is please be safe and make sure that you are taking care of your body. I was reading some fitness boards earlier (I am needing some inspiration and I find that reading about fitness and running really makes me want to get my butt in gear!) and this poor girl wrote in about how she is exercising for an hour and a half every day and eating 500 calories and can’t understand why she isn’t losing weight. HOLY SMOKES! Her body is starving, that’s why she isn’t losing weight! It makes me sad when people aren’t informed … I can’t understand how anyone with internet access could be so ignorant. There is no excuse people. If you have a question, feel free to ask it in the comments and I will try to address it in the blog. If not … GOOGLE IT. That is my favorite phrase. You can find the answer to just about everything if you google it. There is no excuse for not knowing how to lose weight or get in shape safely and effectively.
Enjoy the sun!
If you run out of water you can always borrow someone’s hose and refill your bottle. You might get a weird look, but it is better to stay hydrated! Also, sprinklers are a great way to cool off!
Don’t forget the moisture wicking clothes. It keeps your body much cooler than cotton!
Always apply sunscreen.
Where are you from? Is it a secret?
SonyaSunny
I currently live in Knoxville, Tennessee and work in Blount County. No secrets